Abstract
BACKGROUND: The formation of healthy sleep patterns is a critical component of positive adolescent development. Dysregulated sleep habits can put youth at risk for the development of a multitude of inimical outcomes, particularly among those who are exposed to a traumatic event. DESIGN AND METHODS: The present study investigated the links between voluntary disengagement coping (e.g., avoidance, denial, wishful thinking) and sleep outcomes among 86 trauma-exposed and non-exposed adolescents between the ages of 12-17 (M(age) = 15.44, SD = 1.51; 41.9% female). RESULTS: The relationship between voluntary disengagement coping and sleep outcomes was significant only among trauma-exposed adolescents, such that greater use of voluntary disengagement strategies was associated with greater sleep disturbances and greater daytime dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting disengagement coping may be an important strategy to improve sleep health among trauma-exposed adolescents. Continued efforts in improving the efficacy of trauma-exposed adolescent intervention strategies are needed.